Health Library

Vincristine liposome (By injection)

Vincristine Sulfate Liposome (vin-KRIS-teen SUL-fate LYE-poh-some)

Treats leukemia.

Brand Name(s):

Marqibo

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through an IV placed in a vein. This medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will have to stay in place for at least 1 hour.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Your doctor may want you to follow a diet plan high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables with enough fluid intake, or give you medicine (including a stool softener, laxative) to help prevent constipation.
• Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how vincristine liposome works. Tell your doctor if you are using phenytoin or any other medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. If you are a woman who can bear children, your doctor may give you a pregnancy test before you start receiving this medicine to make sure you are not pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 1 week after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, stomach or bowel problems (including blockage, constipation), or nerve or muscle problems (including neuropathy).
• This medicine can cause the following problems:
  • Leakage of medicine around the site of injection, which can cause tissue injury
  • Nerve problems
  • Tumor lysis syndrome (electrolyte and metabolic problem that can be life-threatening)
  • Stomach or bowel problems (including blockage)
  • Liver problems
• This medicine may cause unusual tiredness or weakness or numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Jaw, muscle, or joint pain
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
• Rapid weight gain, swelling of your feet or lower legs
• Severe constipation or vomiting
• Trouble walking or holding things, slapping or dropping of the front part of your foot when walking
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024